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She is described as having a “significant learning impairment” and doctors believe she does not have the capacity to make a decision for herself.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition in which the red blood cells which supply oxygen to the body develop abnormally.

The cells, shaped like a crescent sickle rather than being round, have a tendency to clog sections of blood vessels.

The blockages, which can last for weeks at a time, can cause anaemia which leaves patients tired and breathless. In more severe cases, they can cause severe breathing problems and strokes.

According to the NHS about 250,000 people in England have the condition, which is particularly prevalent within certain ethnic minorities.

The Court of Protection, which until recently held all of its cases behind closed doors, has “life or death” powers over those judged to be incapable of making decisions about their health.

Last year, the court effectively banned a young autistic woman from having sexual intercourse because she does not understand the risks involved.

The judge said that the court had a responsibility to protect people’s freedom to make “unwise decisions” but must occasionally restrict it in their best interests.

Hospitals and councils have previously asked judges to force women to take contraception and undergo surgery.

One woman with dementia was almost prevented from taking a cruise after social workers said it was too dangerous.

The latest case contrasts markedly with that of Savita Halappanavar, the Indian woman who died after allegedly being refused an abortion which it has been claimed could have saved her life by a hospital in Ireland.

The case became a focus for campaigns for liberalisation of access to abortion and prompted a change in the law in Ireland.